Pictures of the week: From PCB's extended World Cup promotional video to B-Love Kandy clinching first LPL title

Cricket fans were taken aback witnessing several remarkable moments on and off the field in the third week of August. Young India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant met legendary Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri. Meanwhile, Arjun Tendulkar shared a picture with the injured Prithvi Shaw and wished him a speedy recovery. The International Cricket Council (ICC) shared the 'Lord of the Rings' inspired poster on star pacer Jasprit Bumrah, following his comeback after a long hiatus. Meanwhile, B-Love Kandy clinched their first-ever title in the Lanka Premier League. 

Here are the best pictures to roundoff an entertaining week in cricket:

1. PCB release updated WC promotional video

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) shared a special promotional video on its 77th Independence Day (August 14), which included some of the most iconic moments in Pakistan's rich cricketing history. However, the board received severe backlash for not showing the legendary World Cup-winning skipper Imran Khan in the video. Following this, PCB shared an updated version of the first video on August 16. The video has included footage of Imran holding the World Cup trophy, Misbah-ul-Haq's Test mace victory, the women's team triumph at the Asian Games, and Nida Dar's achievement of 100 wickets. 

2. Rishabh Pant meets Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri

India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, who is recuperating at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru recently met legendary Indian football captain, Sunil Chhetri. Both met during a visit to Inspire Institute of Sports in Vijaynagar, founded by the JSW group, which also owns the Indian Premier League franchise Delhi Capitals.

3. Arjun Tendulkar wishes speedy recovery to Prithvi Shaw, shares old picture

Arjun Tendulkar shared an old picture with Prithvi Shaw and wished him a speedy recovery. Shaw, who was in fine form during the Royal London One Day Cup 2023 in England, scored a double hundred and a hundred during the tournament playing for Northamptonshire. The 23-year-old  sustained a knee injury while fielding during the game against Durham during the Group B fixture and was ruled out of the tournament.

4. LSG post Gautam Gambhir's smiling picture amid departure rumours

The 2022 IPL debutants Lucknow Super Giants shared a smiling picture of mentor Gautam Gambhir amidst his departure rumours. The KL Rahul-led side is making drastic changes to their coaching staff ahead of the 2024 IPL season. The franchise recently appointed Justin Langer and MSK Prasad as their head coach and strategic consultant, respectively.

5. Rinku Singh makes India debut in Ireland

Young batting sensation Rinku Singh earned his maiden India cap during the first T20I against Ireland on August 18 at The Village, Dublin. The 25-year-old has been famed since his outstanding five sixes against Yash Dayal during Kolkata Knight Riders' clash against Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2023 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

6. ICC shares 'Lord of the Rings' inspired poster on Jasprit Bumrah's comeback

The International Cricket Council posted a 'Lord of the Rings' inspired poster on speedster Jasprit Bumrah's return to the national setup. The veteran pacer made his comeback during the first T20I against Ireland after a long hiatus. He is captaining the Men in Blue in the three-game series. 

7. ICC Men’s World Cup Trophy tour lights up Kuwait and Bahrain

The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 Trophy Tour continued its remarkable journey, spreading the thrill of cricket and uniting cricket enthusiasts in Kuwait and Bahrain. The tour's recent stops in these Middle Eastern nations were marked by grand unveilings, iconic locations, and exuberant fan activations. The showpiece event is scheduled to be contested in India from October 5 to November 19.

8. Mohammad Naim Sheikh walks on fire as part of his mind-training routine ahead of Asia Cup

Mohammad Naim Sheikh, Bangladesh's opening batter, was witnessed doing an unconventional training technique ahead of the Asia Cup 2023. He was seen stepping onto fiery embers as part of his 'mind-training.' Notably, his unusual practice method has certainly raised the eyebrows of many.

9. Virat Kohli unveils Audi Q8 E-Tron in Mumbai

Star India batter Virat Kohli unveiled the brand-new Audi Q8 E-Tron car in Mumbai. The former India skipper is currently the brand ambassador of Audi. The 34-year-old took to his official social media handle and shared the pictures of the launch.

10. B-Love Kandy wins first LPL title

Angelo Mathews-led B-Love Kandy clinched their maiden Lanka Premier League title. Kandy outplayed Dambulla Aura by five wickets at the Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo on August 20.